Kylie Minogue has revealed that she was diagnosed with cancer for a second time in early 2021, following her successful treatment for breast cancer in 2005. The pop superstar shared the previously private news in her new Netflix documentary, Kylie, which premieres today.
Second Diagnosis Kept Private
In the documentary, Minogue stated, "My second cancer diagnosis was in early 2021. I was able to keep that to myself … Not like the first time." She reflected on her highly publicized initial battle with breast cancer, adding, "Thankfully, I got through it. Again. And all is well." The singer expressed that her passion for music remains stronger than ever, despite the challenges.
Struggling to Share the News
Minogue admitted she found it difficult to find the right moment to disclose her second diagnosis publicly, even after the massive success of her Grammy-winning 2023 single Padam Padam. "I don't feel obliged to tell the world, and actually I just couldn't at the time because I was just a shell of a person," she explained. "I didn't want to leave the house again at one point. Padam Padam opened so many doors for me but on the inside I knew that cancer wasn't just a blip in my life."
She revealed that her 2023 song Story, from the album Tension, directly references this period, with lyrics such as "I had a secret that I kept to myself … Turn another page, baby take the stage." Minogue noted, "I needed to have something that marked that time."
Encouraging Regular Check-ups
In promotional materials for the documentary, Minogue emphasized that the decision to share her story was her own. She was diagnosed after a routine check-up, stating, "There will be someone out there who will benefit from a gentle reminder to do their check ups … Early detection was very helpful and I am so grateful to be able to say that I am well today."
Previous Battle with Breast Cancer
Minogue, now 57, was 36 when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2005. She cancelled the remainder of her Showgirl greatest hits tour and withdrew from her headline slot at the Glastonbury festival to undergo treatment in Melbourne. Supporters rallied around her, including Elton John, fellow pop star and cancer survivor Delta Goodrem, and then-prime minister John Howard, who expressed the nation's support.
However, she faced intrusive media attention, prompting then-Victorian premier Steve Bracks to remind paparazzi and journalists of harassment laws and privacy protections. After treatment, Minogue was given the all-clear. In 2008, she revealed she had been misdiagnosed initially, warning that medical professionals can make mistakes.
Return to Music and Continued Success
Minogue returned to music with the 2007 album X, which produced three UK Top 10 singles: 2 Hearts, Wow, and In My Arms. She finally performed at Glastonbury in 2019, earning a five-star review from The Guardian. The success of Padam Padam marked a major comeback, returning her to the UK singles Top 10 for the first time since 2010 and winning a Grammy for best pop dance recording. In 2025, she achieved a Christmas No. 1 with Xmas and topped the album charts with Kylie Christmas (Fully Wrapped), matching David Bowie and Eminem in all-time album chart-toppers.
Documentary Details
The three-part Netflix documentary, directed by Michael Harte (editor of the David Beckham documentary), features interviews with Minogue's sister Dannii, and former duet partners Jason Donovan and Nick Cave, among others. Minogue concluded, "There are so many people for whom cancer is part of their life and, I get it; you just want to move on and put it in the past or park it to the side. But, check-ups are incredibly important. It can be daunting and triggering but please be mindful of just how vital they are - and reach out for help if you need it, you're not alone."
